"Outstanding care from all staff at Good Hope"

I was recently admitted to Ward 2 at Good Hope following a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and removal of large complex ovarian cyst. The care and treatment I have received so far along this journey has been outstanding. The consultant gynaecologist was open, honest, kind, compassionate and professional. He ensured I felt at ease and extremely confident in his abilities but also that I was actively engaged in my own treatment plan. My operation went well and I am rapidly on the mend. Every member of staff I have encountered has been compassionate and understanding and has done their best to listen to and address my concerns. Admissions staff called me back promptly and tried to get me appointments keeping me informed along the way. My consultant always responded to my calls, even calling me back at 7.30pm at the end of a long day for him. The pre-operative nursing was thorough and whilst a little regimented still ensured that I was treated in a compassionate manner with understanding and humour. Every issue and concern I raised was listened to and acted upon so that my anxieties were managed extremely well. The anaesthetist and team in theatre were fantastic and I cannot thank them enough for their technical skills and abilities but also their understanding of the human condition and need for reassurance and trust building. My fear of needles has induced asthma attacks in the past. This time the cannula was inserted with little pain and so expertly that I had no bruising or pain and no asthma! The staff in pre-theatre gently tried to distract me and reassure me and I am thankful for their efforts. Post operation I remember the gentle attentiveness of the pain management nurse and was reassured by this. I was no way leaving post operative care until they were satisfied my pain was managed. I remember thinking how clean, calm and controlled everything was and this was incredibly reassuring. Back on Ward 2 the nursing staff was outstanding. Their good humour, professionalism and never ending hard work was inspirational. Short staffed and with crises occurring here, there and everywhere they never faltered in their care nor showed signs of the strain they most obviously must have been under. The professionalism of the staff on Ward 2 and human interaction they promoted enabled my spirits to rise and enable myself and the 3 other ladies with me on the ward to spend considerable time holding our bellies and chuckling at something or other. Laughter is, as they say, the best medicine and all the staff along the way enabled me to laugh despite my concerns and discomfort. I couldn't have done that if the care had not been outstanding. I know resources are limited everywhere and the ward and facilities show signs of tiredness but the staff could not have been better and the treatment i have received meant I left hospital as quickly as possible and hopefully will not return. A huge 'Thank you' to everyone.